The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-07

that their claims are still pending in the Pension
Bureau. The messages were referred TO the
committee on invalid pensions.
The Speaker laid before the House the Sem
ate bill for the refunding of direct taxes.
Mr.. Heard. of Missouri, moved that it be re-
ferred to the committee on judiciary. Adopted
yeas 1884, nays "a.
Mr. Harmer of PENNSYLVANIA, presented res
olutions of the Pennsylvania Legislature in fa-
vor of the Miller pleuro-pneumonia bill and the
bill for the establishment of agricultural exper-
iment stations. Referred.
The House then proceeded TO consideration OF
the bill for the payment of what are known as
the 18th of Jniy claims"
After some discussion the bill was passed. It
appropriates about 1872, 600.
The House then went into committee of the
whole-Mr. Blount, of Georgia, in the chair-on
the diplomatic and consular appropriation bill.
Mr. Belmont, of New York said that, in pre-
senting the bill to the House, the committee on
foreign affairs had considered it its duty to make
certain changes in the consular service. These
changes, however, were not in conflict with ex-
listing law, and therefore not amenable to peint
of order under the rules of the House. They
consisted of transfers of certain consuls from
one grade to another. and transfer of certain
other coDsuls from the fee list to the salary
list Another change was an increase of salary
OF the minister to China Our relations were
OF such a nature to make our mission there
as important as the mission to Russia or Ger
many.
Mr. McCreary, of Kentucky, member of the
committee ON foreign affairs, opposed the in
creases of salary made by the bill. The bill ap-
propriated $500 600 more than the law of last
year. If the other appropriation bills were pro-
portionately increased the appropriations this
year would exceed those of last year more than
$50. DOC, 900. He did not wish to break the good
record which the present House had made in the
direction of economy. He pointed out the fact
that it was an increase of the bill, and cited in
stances where the salaries of consuls were donb-
led although they were now only receiving fees
running srom $3.50 to 5000. If the bin became a
law In ITS present shape the salaries of the con-
suls who would be transferred from the fee list
to the salary list would be six times the amounts
OF the fees collected by them. He opposed the
increase of the salary of the minister to Mexico
and the appropriation of $2o 600 for the erection
| OF a legation building in Japan. He regarded
this proposition opening the door to the erec-
ton of legation buildings everywhere. and AS
aplng the customs of effete ariStocracles He
criticised the provision for the appointment of
two consular inspectors to ride with aristocrats
dine with nobility and dance with Persian
princes and to get for their trip 81. 600 each and
expenses.
Mr.. Cox, of North Carolina, said that while
| listening to the eentleman's remarks he could
| not nelp thinking how well satisfied Judge
''Waxem" would be with them. He Mr. Cox
defended the bill. pointed out the necessity tor
| the appointment of consular inspectors, and
strongly advocated the proposed change from
| the fee to the salary system OF compensation to
! consuls. In regard to the legation building an
Japan, he qnoted from the report of the Score
| tary of State recommending its erection the
ground that it was impossible to rent building
suitable for legation purposes Speaking of the
increase of salary of the minister to China, he
referred to the growing commerce of that coun-
try and the necessity of securing the best talent
to represent the United States there. Members
should keep abreast with the progress of the
times, and not come here and say, I'VE have the
greatest nation in the world" and then do moth
ing for it.
Pending further debate the committee rose
and the House adjourned.